Family & Youth

We are committed to providing family and youth services that enrich both the mind and body. We are strengthening the individual, the family and the community through comprehensive, caring social services along with recreational, cultural, and educational programming.

Social & Recreational

Resources

Stories from the Heart

As first-time parents, Robyn and her husband Gary weren’t sure how best to link their daughter Danielle to her Jewish heritage. “We’re not a religious family, but we’re definitely connected to Jewish culture, history, and traditions, as well as community.” PJ Libraryfit the bill perfectly by sending a vibrant, engaging children’s book on Jewish topics and themes each month – entirely for free. At holiday celebrations, their curious little reader knows just what’s going on. And when Danielle falls in love with a new book, she brings it to school for story time. “She’s proud of the information she’s learning and sharing with her friends!” – Robyn, PJ Library parent

“When my son was four, he became afraid of swimming and refused to go in the water. That spring, I heard of the JCC Camps at Medford and signed him up. He is now six. This is his third summer and he received the most improved swimmer award this summer! When I asked him if he wanted to go again next year, he said, ‘Duh. I’m going every year even when I am a CIT and a counselor.’”– Katz JCC camp parent

When a preschool teacher came to one of the JFCS Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantries, she broke down in tears – tears of happiness and gratitude. Previously, she was denied assistance, because she did not live in the county in which the other pantry was located. Devastated and embarrassed, someone told her to try JFCS. She was given bags of food with kindness and consideration. She was told to come back the following week for more. She was treated with dignity, which not only provided peace of mind, but also ensured her two little girls had the food they needed.

In the very near future, all of the survivors of the Holocaust will not be around to tell their stories. The impact of hearing about the Holocaust from a witness is immeasurable. The JCRC’s Goodwin Holocaust Museum & Education Center (GHMEC) brings together all of the generations following Survivors to preserve the stories of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents through the “Generations after the Shoah” group, encouraging Survivors to share their stories with their families and for their families to share those stories with others.

Family & Youth programming is available through The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and these select agencies